Texas Strong Woman - Kayleigh Williamson

KAYLEIGHWILLIAMSON

RUNNER AND AUTHOR OF

IT'S COOL TO BE ME

Austin, Texas

[Kayleigh's bookis available atAmazon.com.]

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TITLESFOR YOURSELF AND WHY?

I am proud to be a five-time half marathon runner, a Patagonia employee, and a Christian.

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS ORMENTORS?

My role models are my twobest friends, Shane andWilliam. And my mom, Sandy.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR ORCHALLENGE?

My greatest fear and challenge is my maternal grandmother not remembering my mom and me. My grandma has Alzheimer’s disease.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT?

I earned my Austin DistanceChallenge jacket on my thirdtry.

Photo by Sandy Williamson

Photo by Jessica Watkins

HOW ARE YOU BUILDING COMMUNITY RIGHT NOW?

I am a part of a nonprofit organization, called Kayleigh's Club, that is a running group for disabledrunners and their family members.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE QUOTE OR VERSE YOU LIVE BY?

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life less than the one you are capable of living." (NelsonMandela)

My mom painted it on my medal board.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT TEXAS IN THE FALL?

It is easier for me to run. Plus, Halloween and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TEXAS-BASED NONPROFITS TO SUPPORT?

I like to support Kayleigh’s Club and Special Olympics of Central Texas.